Democratic.net: [RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily Brief, July 10, 2009

Friday, July 10, 2009

[RED DEMOCRATICA] CFR.org Daily Brief, July 10, 2009

July 10, 2009

View this newsletter as a web page on CFR's website.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

-G8 wraps up.

-Iranian protests resume.

-Tensions in Urumqi continue.

- Mediation in Honduran political crisis begins.

Top of the Agenda: G8 Sets Iran Deadline, Plans Food Aid Program

The Group of Eight (G8) industrialized nations set a September deadline (Reuters) for Iran to cooperate with international negotiations on its nuclear program.

On the final day of the G8 talks Friday in Italy, leaders appeared set to agree to invest in agricultural assistance (RFE/RL) for developing countries, as part of a "food security initiative" spearheaded by U.S. President Barack Obama. But G8 funding for the program may fall short of the initially proposed $15 billion, coming in closer to $12 billion (EU Observer). The U.S. investment will account for one-fifth of that funding.

After breakfast with African leaders Friday morning, and a separate meeting with South African officials, Obama will leave the summit (VOA) for visits to the Vatican and Ghana.

Background:

This CFR Backgrounder profiles the G8.

Analysis:

The Wall Street Journal says the G8 summit fell "short of expectations" on climate change, food aid, and trade. "World leaders here largely punted on big decisions or promised future action," the article says.

Newsweek addresses calls for expanding the G8, and says, "it's safe to say that this is the last year that the G8 will be perceived as the world's leading power summit."

MIDEAST: U.S. Faulted for Babylon Damage

U.S. troops and contractors caused significant damage (AP) to the archeological site in Babylon, Iraq after the 2003 invasion, UNESCO experts said on Thursday. The UN agency said it would take action to prevent similar vandalism to sites of historical importance in future wars.

Iran: Thousands of Iranians joined new protests (NYT) on Thursday, defying the harsh government repression they have faced in recent weeks. Iran had been relatively quiet over the previous eleven days, but Thursday marked the anniversary of anti-government student protests ten years earlier, in which demonstrators were beaten and jailed. Police attempted to quell the demonstrations with tear gas and batons.

PACIFIC RIM: Tensions in Xinjiang Continue

The region of Xinjiang in western China, rocked by ethnic violence in recent days, faces more tension Friday (Bloomberg) as authorities ban the Uighur Muslim population's day of prayer.

In this CFR podcast, Uighur expert Dru Gladney says the protests in China's Xinjiang Province are about social justice for the country's minorities and expresses concern they will spark greater Chinese nationalism.

This CFR Backgrounder profiles the Uighurs.

Myanmar: The trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi resumed Friday (AP) after a six-week break. Suu Kyi is charged with violating her house arrest after an American swam to her home and stayed for two days.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA: Red Cross to Scale Down Operations in Sri Lanka

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Thursday that the Sri Lankan government has ordered it to "scale down" (AFP) its relief operations in the country now that the conflict with the Tamil Tiger rebels appears to be over.

Pakistan: The Pakistani government on Thursday urged those displaced by fighting between the security forces and the Taliban in the Swat Valley to return home next week (NYT). Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the army would maintain a presence in the region to protect returning citizens.

AFRICA: Nigerian Militant Leader to be Freed

Nigeria says it will release Henry Okah (Bloomberg),leader of the militant MEND group in return of his acceptance of a government amnesty offer.

This CFR Backgrounder profiles MEND.

Kenya: Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan gave a list of names (FT) of people suspected of perpetrating violence during the 2007 Kenyan election to the International Criminal Court. Annan, a mediator in the Kenya situation, hopes Kenyan leaders will set up a tribunal by 2010 to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violence, which killed some 1,500 people.

AMERICAS: Honduran Talks

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and interim leader Roberto Micheletti held separate talks (Miami Herald) with mediator and Costa Rican President Oscar Arias on Thursday. The talks are set to continue on Friday.

Peru: Peruvian police arrested more than 150 people (BBC) on Thursday during nationwide protests against President Alan Garcia's free trade policies.

EUROPE: Swine Flu Deaths in Britain

British health officials said Thursday that the country has nearly reached near epidemic levels (Independent) of the swine flu virus . Fourteen people have died of the illness in Britain thus far.

TRANSNATIONAL: Oil Prices Decline

Oil prices dropped briefly (NYT) under $60 a barrel on Thursday, closing at $60.41 by day's end. The price of oil has fallen by about $10 a barrel in the last six trading days.

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